Ben Lake MP has written to the UK Government urging for veterinary practices to be covered in the scope of support measures for businesses affected by Covid-19.
Veterinary practices have so far not been included in the scope for this support, despite the fact that they will also be entering a period of significant financial difficulty and continuing to provide vital care and treatment to animals while contending with staff shortages and reduced turnover.
In a letter sent to the UK Chancellor Mr Lake has called for:
- business rates reliefs to be extended to veterinary practices;
- further flexibility in the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, allowing veterinary practices to retain sufficient staff to cover emergency provision; and
- adjustments to the Self-employment Income Support Scheme.
Ben Lake MP said:
“Whilst I of course welcome the economic lifeline offered to many businesses by the Government’s support package, I am concerned that these measures do not currently extend to the veterinary profession. Veterinary practices are a mainstay in our communities providing a critical service to our agricultural industry, as well as keeping our pets healthy.
“Unfortunately, many practices may have no option but to close their doors for good if they are not offered the same support that is rightly available to other businesses. As such I am lobbying the UK Government to include veterinary practices in their support measures, and to recognise the profession as a critical service. Veterinary practices make a valuable contribution to rural communities, and they deserve the same safety net that other businesses have been promised in the unpredictable times ahead.”